We recently reported on the Dry January phenomenon, giving up alcohol for the month of January. One astute reader had issue with the piece. “Feeling a need to drink or wanting to drink alcohol is not a habit. It’s an addiction, which is very different from a habit. It’s actually a medical condition,” one reader wrote. “You classify “drinking in moderation” as healthy. You’re 100% wrong. Alcohol, by definition, is a poison. Drinking any amount is unhealthy for you and is one of the number one causes of death, linked to many issues and is one of the leading causes of cancer.” The message from this reader was clear: alcohol is nothing to take lightly.

Alcohol is certainly a personal issue and each individual has their own beliefs and responses. We heard from many readers after posting our story, and heard responses running the gamut. Some responses were funny. Some were serious. As a whole, the responses were almost entirely mixed.

“Dry Martini, dry white wine, dry [brut] champagne ….. what other form of dry is there?” asked one reader.

“As long as alcohol is in moderation—like everything—it’s fine. Live and enjoy life,” one reader said.

“I don’t hate myself enough to go through a pandemic and be dry at the same time. It’s hard enough,” said one more.

Of course, the opposite side of the spectrum was also heard from after posting our story. It was impressive, given how soaked our culture is, including the running culture, with alcohol messaging. Some of the comments against booze included these.

“Kinda haven’t stopped having a dry life—not for moral reasons. I just figure: if I’m going to have that many empty calories, it’s going to involve chocolate, caramel or ice cream instead,” wrote one reader.

“I do Dry January and Sober October every year. Always feel so much better,” one reader said.

“Sober 7 years!” one reader said. “My first half marathon when I was two years sober, and started running when I was one year sober.”

“I have now been sober for 10 years. It started when I was training for a marathon and noticed that my legs always felt a little fresher when I went without alcohol. Time just went by and I never felt like drinking again!”

Many runners talked about treating alcohol as a reward after a workout or a race. A reward for their training. How many runners enjoy a beer with their Sunday post-long run brunch? Plus, many races have a beer sponsor and some even hand out beers to finishers after their event. There are races in Las Vegas. Run clubs built around beer. And the Harriers, described as a “drinking club with a running problem.” Beer and running go hand in hand. Or do they? My friend Byron Jenkins wrote about his relationship with alcohol.

“Liquor never caused me to miss a day of work, be arrested or hospitalized or earned me a DUI rap. Still, I was keenly aware I was using booze as a crutch in far too many life situations,” he wrote. “Too often liquor was a handy release, a stress relief, a feel-good potion on Friday and Saturday nights and on almost all social occasions. Self-aware of its adverse affects on me, I’d lost track of how many failed attempts I’d made at cutting back.” Eventually, Jenkins quit alcohol, cold turkey. The way he did it might sense to many type A, all-or-nothing runners.

“American journalist John Drybred wrote, “For those who are given to excess, abstinence is easier than moderation.” Cutting it out altogether, then, was my only way forward,” wrote Jenkins. “All or nothing. The date I did it, May 28, 2018, will be etched on my memory for the rest of my life. How did I accomplish this feat, quit consuming alcohol altogether after using it for so long? I don’t know. I just spontaneously decided—and fortunately had the mental fortitude to back my decision—that, at age 62, it was time to remove this millstone from my neck.”

Jenkins runs marathons at 65-years-old. He says, “Halting the consumption of all that beer, wine and whiskey had to happen if I was ever going to get seriously fit. If I kept drinking booze I would never again drink from the fountain of youth.“

It’s interesting to consider the role alcohol plays in running culture. Both as a motivator but also as a hindrance. One runner described her drinking like this: “I’m enjoying “Damp January,” a significant cut back, but I don’t beat myself up if I have a Friday glass of wine.”

Not beating ourselves up, I like the sound of that.

Wishing you all safety and health.

Krista DuChene had three dogs come at her once and was told by the owner: “Relax, you only have to worry about one!” This is my worst nightmare come to life, and yet plenty of other runners also had dog stories to share. “I had a dog try and bite me last Saturday and left my winter glove all sloppy with saliva,” a runner told iRun on our Facebook page. “My issue is with the dog owners having their dogs run off leash in public parks that are NOT off leash. I try and give a wide birth and stay away as much as possible.” Sometimes, however, staying away is impossible. Runners regaled iRun with stories of errant dogs interrupting their bliss. “I had an unleashed dog leap at me and rip my jacket while on a trail run,” a runner told me. “Another dog jumped at me as I was riding my bike and left several scratches on my legs. Both times were totally out of the blue.”

I don’t love dogs. I’m glad they bring people pleasure and know that plenty of runners exercise with their animals. Lots of runners—including Krista DuChene—made careful mention to say how much they liked dogs. (All of these runners pictured have shared photographs of themselves with their pet). But stories like the following are still too common: “I was bit once when the dog was on a leash, but the owner didn’t care,” a runner wrote on our Facebook page. “I screamed “your dog bit me,” and he shrugged and walked away. It was back before I ran with my phone so I didn’t get a photo. I got home and called the police to file a report and was told that “bite and runs” are very common. It was years ago, but still hurts on the spot on my thigh if I press on it.”

Bite and runs should not be very common. And many runners complained about this refrain from a dog owner after their dog moves in an aggressive fashion: don’t worry, he’s friendly! “I hate the but-my-dog-is-friendly comment,” a runner said, and many runners discussed being taken completely by surprise by the negative dog interaction.

“My husband got bit by a leashed dog on a busy road,” one runner said. “He was running the opposite direction and when he passed them, the dog reached out and bit him on the calf. We are dog lovers and often run with our dogs, but he was shocked.” Sometimes, it’s the dog lovers who seem to be the ones getting bit.

“I passed a house while running and, with the owners watching, I turned to let the Weimaraner smell my hand, and all seemed good until I turned to continue my run,” one runner said. “He leapt up and bit the back of my thigh. I was shocked! The owners ran to me and were very kind. They suspected that the dog had some mental issues. Biggest bruise I have ever had. I’m a dog owner and love all dogs—but this taught me to not assume anything.”

Runners always have to make concessions on our workouts. We’re not more important than anyone else. We share the sidewalks with civilians and need to appreciate that dog owners are entitled to their space. But should dog owners do more to protect runners? You control your space, I’ll control mine? Should it be that nearly every runner I know has some sort of war story involving a dog? Is it the price of admission for our sport?

Lindsay Tessier is an elite marathon runner and well-known dog lover and owner and has this to say about runners and dogs. “Ultimately, dogs are animals and, no matter how “friendly” our furry friends are, they can be unpredictable,” she says. “My biggest pet peeve—ha ha—is when a dog runs up to me and the owner shouts that I need not worry because Spot is friendly. We cannot assume someone else’s comfort level around dogs. It’s ignorant to do so. Further, friendly Spot can get spooked, or misread signs of someone running as an invitation to play chase.” Tessier says that, ultimately, the dogs can’t be blamed for their behaviour, the owners need to be responsible for their dogs. “It’s the owner’s responsibility to have an awareness of their dog and surroundings and to have their dog under control at all times for everyone’s safety,” Tessier said. “That can mean stepping off the sidewalk to allow the runner to pass, or, if your dog is off leash, the recall needs to be on point.“

Reid Coolsaet was recently bitten by a dog which prompted this story. He says he likes dogs, but the dog that bit uncomfortably close to his behind—see picture, below—weighed about 70 pounds. There was no skin broken and the owner was apologetic, but he founded the situation uncomfortably close to being a big deal. “The dog owner had two dogs, one was under control, but the other one was on me in seconds,” says Coolsaet. “It was a civil conversation, but I wanted to get across to her that this could have been really bad. She should be more careful with her dogs.”

What do you think? Do you run with your dog? Have you ever been bitten? Both? Let us know in the comments and, as ever, if you have photographs, we’d love to see them. Looking at all these runners with their pets brought a lot of joy to this non-dog-lover’s heart.

The other day a therapist asked me, when I was bragging about Dry January, what my plan was for February 1. It was a great question. I was planning to party. I guess that’s probably what she assumed and made me reconsider my approach: Dry January has certainly been a great exercise in restraint. I’m going to sleep early, waking up early, and running a lot and doing push ups everyday. Basically acting in complete restraint of my id. I feel good. But if it won’t last, is there even a point?

I think there is a point to Dry January and I think it’s to reconsider our relationship with alcohol. It’s amazing how things that are habit forming can be used for good or for ill. Not that I consider drinking beer or eating edibles, per say, something horrible, just in my own life I’ve caught myself twice saying I was looking forward to a chance to over-imbibe. A friend said she couldn’t give up her Saturday afternoon cocktail. I said it wasn’t a single drink I was missing. It was 14. (And not that I would sit down and consume 14 beers in one setting but the idea was, I think: I was missing letting go and associated that with drinking).

19 Days into Dry January, so what? I’m exercising more and sleeping better. I go to bed and wake up early. Since it’s so cold on my runs I’m exhausted by the end of the night. This is good. Our sleep, I believe, is indicative of how we feel. It’s very hard to operate when you’re exhausted and if being alcohol-free helps you rest better, that in itself is a good reason to quit. Of course, not drinking is easier when there’s no socializing. Not seeing anyone or going anywhere makes it pretty easy to drink fizzy water. I’m also not spending very much money. Again: good things.

Like all of us, I’ve reframed what it is to see a friend. I’ve gone on runs with a buddy, and even run with my group, even if our numbers have to be pared down. Both of these activities have sparked joy. And both helped me sleep afterwards. With two friends who aren’t runners, we’ve dressed warmly and gone on walks. These haven’t been epic occasions but rather sober-minded opportunities to catch up and reconnect. 19 Days into Dry January I don’t really think I miss booze.

But where do people go after Dry January ends? I’ve done this before and reverted basically, I believe, back to where I was with alcohol: delighting in the opportunity to have as much as I want. Of course drinking is just like running in that moderation will always be the key. Consistency. If you want to drink forever, you can never drink too much or else you’ll have that opportunity taken away. It will no longer be healthy.

I guess the point is that 19 Days into Dry January I’m reconsidering my relationship with alcohol, and that’s always a good thing to do. It’s probably healthy to reconsider all of your relationships, including your relationship with running: are you enjoying it as much as you once did? Is there anything you need to change? Consider your own choices and free will and what you might try to shake your life up. Everything we do is a choice, whether it’s a beer or a run, so try and remain conscious. Nineteen days into my annual experiment I at least feel awake.